Worthington demands good NI start

WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING GROUP EIGHT
SLOVAKIA V NORTHERN IRELAND
Venue: Bratislava Date: Saturday, 6 September Kick-off: 1630 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster, Updates on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live

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Video report: Northern Ireland prepare for Slovakia

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington believes the country's run of dismal starts to qualifying campaigns can be stopped on Saturday.

The Northern Irish have suffered 3-0 defeats in opening qualifiers against Spain, Poland and Iceland over the last six years.

"It's important we get off to a good start," said Worthington ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.

"But we've got players who are good enough to perform on Saturday."

Worthington added:"We've got respect for Slovakia and we know what they are about. But I know what our players are about. The desire and application is there.

"There's excitement and there's trepidation but I'm looking forward to the challenge as indeed are the players and that's important."

Worthington met up with his players in London on Tuesday and the squad was put through its paces at Chelsea's training ground.

606: DEBATE What team should Nigel Worthington pick for Saturday's game?

"We had a great session at Chelsea's brand new training ground which is magnificent and that was a bonus.

"The boys have also worked very hard since coming out here (Slovakia). They are enjoying themselves but the focus and concentration levels are correct.

"We know what we've got to do. If we do our jobs well, then we can get a good result."

Worthington has responded philosophically to the loss of injured Rangers forward Kyle Lafferty.

"It didn't help my thinking but the situation is there. Managers like good players but you have always got to have another option up your sleeve.

"We have looked at it over the last two or three days and we have got a team in our heads."

On the face of it, Warren Feeney is the obviously replacement for Lafferty although there is also the option of packing the midfield and playing David Healy as a lone striker.